A SECOND IN SEATTLE - PIKE PLACE MARKET
Seattle is a common layover spot for me on my way to British Columbia where my brother lives, but I never had the time to actually stop and visit, until a few weeks ago. When an opportunity came up for me to have a few extra hours to explore, I did my research and decided on a self-guided walking tour from the Space Needle to Pike Place Market.
And then the most stereotypically Seattle thing happened… it rained.
And it rained, and rained and rained.
The market somehow felt both authentic and touristy, big and small, quaint and ordinary. It’s this eclectic mish-mosh of trinket stores, foodie spots, hidden art houses, farmers market and everything in between. With families on vacation sightseeing, to locals grocery shopping the fresh produce, to people watchers, just trying to take it all in, Pike Place Market was packed, even on a rainy Tuesday afternoon.
I get the feeling that if I visited 10 times, this small space could feel like 10 completely different markets every single time. I’m sure there are maps and guides that chart specific paths in the market but my advice is to roam around and simply stop whenever you see something intriguing or smell something delicious that makes your mouth water. From flowers to fish to free samples, the market has something for everyone.
Where I Wandered
Pike Place Chowder was one of the most recommended places and it was delicious (but still not as delicious as authentic New England Chowder). There will probably be a line, but it moves quick and it’s perfect if it’s raining, and it will be …because Seattle.
Pro Tip: Get the small size to save plenty of space for all the rest of your food adventures or if you come with friends, get the sampler so you can try as many types of chowder as possible.
Grocery shopping seem to be a a lot more enjoyable in Seattle, with gorgeous, vibrant veggies, aromatic fruits, and entertaining as hell fish sellers.
Pro Tip: Don’t google the fish market before, have no expectations and enjoy a unique experience.
There is artwork everywhere, you just have to find it. Perfect instagram pictures, messy murals and simple grafiti. To find the most instagrammable spots, just follow the crowds and wait patiently.
Also, I definitely don’t understand the gum wall, but there were so many people taking pictures so I followed suit. Then right after, I saw across from it there is a mural of pictures and quotes that is absolutely breathtaking. Look closely to see some serious inspiration.
Pro Tip: The best art was hidden around quiet corners, or in between huge murals.
Hot, fresh mini doughnuts covered in sugar and cinnamon. Life doesn’t get much better.
Pro Tip: Get a dozen, for yourself. And then maybe another dozen.
There’s sooo many more places I didn’t have time to explore (or I forgot to take pictures of) but luckily that leaves plenty for you. Multiple stores filled with old magazine covers and books, shops with unique clothes and collectibles, a semi-creepy magic shop, a uber fragrant emporium spices and tea, and so many more.
There’s no right or wrong way to do Pike Place Market and that’s probably the best thing about it.
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